Hate Crimes Bill Passes House
The hate crimes bill — or the Matthew Shepard Act — passed the House yesterday with a 281-146 vote. The bill was attached to a must-pass $680 billion defense policy bill that the Senate could approve as early as next week. It is widely expected that President Obama will sign the bill.
According to Seattle PI's online news, Republicans objected "strenuously to inclusion of what they referred to as "thought crimes" legislation in a defense bill." The Family Research Council threatens to contest the legislation in court.
Matthew Shepard was murdered in October 1998, in a violent anti-gay hate crime on the outskirts Laramie, Wyoming.. The following is his father's court room speech.
The following video was put together by Think Progress that illustrates the arguments made by the right wing this year opposing hate crimes protection. Hate crimes are geared to frighten a community — such a black community, a gay community, or a religious community. The legislation would enable local law enforcement to obtain federal assistance in solving crime.
Related posts:
- Hate Crimes Bill Passes Senate with Religious Speech Amendment
- PRESS RELEASE: Hate Crimes Prevention Act Passes the Senate – Legislation Heads to the President's Desk for Signing
- The Religious Right Push Hate Crimes Opposition Letters; Anti-Gay Killings Highest Since 1999
- Torture, Hate, Marriage and Religion
- Bill Moyers on Hate Radio
- Gohmert on Hate Crimes
- Traditional Values Hate Crimes Video
- PRESS RELEASE: Libertarians press Congress on DOMA, 'don't' ask, don't tell'
- Hate Crimes, Arson and Rising from the Ashes
- Guns and Churches – Bill Passes 1st Stage in Arkansas
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